In line with a
decision made earlier this year by the ICC Chief Executives’
Committee (CEC), a range of new playing conditions for cricket come
into effect from (1 October).

These amendments,
which were unanimously approved by all 10 Full Members and the three
Associate Member representatives on the CEC at its meeting at the
end of June, are designed to improve the game for players, umpires
and spectators. The decision was announced by the ICC at the time.

One amendment,
which is to do with the interval between innings during One-Day International
matches, was implemented immediately at the time of the CEC meeting
at the end of June. All others come into effect on 1 October.

The amendments
are:Comfort
breaksClause 2
of the playing conditions will be amended to provide for the following:

“Substitute
fielders shall only be permitted in cases of injury, illness or other
wholly acceptable reasons. “Wholly acceptable reasons”
should be limited to extreme circumstances and should not include
what is commonly referred to as a ‘comfort break’.”

Clean
catchesClause 3.2.3.1
(b) of the playing conditions will be amended to provide for the following:Should both
umpires be unable to make a decision, they may consult by two-way
radio with the third umpire as to whether there is any definitive
evidence as to whether the catch was taken cleanly or not. Following
such consultation, the final decision will be made and given by the
bowler’s-end umpire. Should the bowler’s-end umpire still
not be able to decide, a not-out decision shall be given.

Changing
of the ball (ODIs)It was agreed
to continue with the playing condition that requires a mandatory change
of ball at the commencement of the 35th over in ODIs.

Intervals
(ODIs)The following
amendment was agreed:“Where
the innings of the side batting first is delayed or interrupted, the
umpires will reduce the length of the interval.

“In
the event of time being lost (playing time lost less any extra time
provided) up to and including 60 minutes in aggregate, the length
of the interval shall be reduced from 45 to 30 minutes. In the event
of more than 60 minutes being lost in aggregate, the duration of the
interval shall be agreed mutually by the umpires and both captains
subject to no interval being of more than 30 minutes’ duration
or less than 10 minutes’ duration. In the event of disagreement,
the length of the interval shall be determined by the match referee.”

Free hits
(ODIs and Twenty20 Internationals)The current
playing condition relating to free hits following a foot fault no-ball
in ODIs and Twenty20 Internationals is retained.

PowerPlay
overs (ODIs)The batting
team will be permitted to choose when one of either the second or
third PowerPlays takes place.

It was also agreed
that three fielders be permitted outside the field restriction areas
during both the second and third PowerPlays. Previously, the third
fielder was allowed outside the circle during either the second or
third PowerPlay. (The idea behind the amendment is to offer greater
opportunity for spinners to bowl with the safety net of more protection).